City staff from the Bureau of Emergency Communications, Procurement Services, and my office walked with me in the Starlight Parade on Saturday, June 2. Each year, one member of the Council is invited to represent the City of Portland in this event. I've been privileged to walk it three of the four years I've been in office, perhaps because I am always the first to volunteer if the Commissioner whose turn is up can't make it due to other commitments.

Photo courtesy of Kelly White, BOEC

It seemed to me the crowd this year was the biggest yet. Thank you to everyone who lined the streets, and to all who walked with me -- and son Luke who drove my husband's zebra car, which is always more popular with children watching parades than any politician.

Photo courtesy of Steve Fritz

The Rose Festival is Portland's Official Festival, due to a Resolution that I initiated in partnership with Commissioner Leonard. This special status was a factor in the Rose Festival winning the award for Best Festival in the World in 2011. The City invests less than $100,000 in financial support for the Rose Festival. It generates close to $50 million in economic benefit for the region - see this Porland Tribune article. And it's fun, especially in difficult times when it's hard to take even one evening away from struggling to address the challenges faced by our community. The Realm of Rosaria is mythical, the City government is real. I am happy to be both a Dame of Rosaria, and a Commissioner of Portland.